Just Announced!
Scroll down to check out our 2024 schedule of Summer Fun classes. Each class name listed below is a red link so you can register and pay online. Registration is now open to Members only. Non-Member registration begins March 12.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 schedule of summer classes for kids! We welcome all school-age learners and offer a variety of programs designed for students PreK–6 to explore the Hastings Museum.
The Ashley Kulwicki Scholarship is available for students to participate in the Hastings Museum’s Summer Fun program. To apply, students must qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Funds are limited. The scholarship covers 100% of the class fee. Limit one scholarship per person.
REMEMBER:
Members can register now. Registration for Non-Members begins on March 12. If you want to pay with cash or check, please download and complete the registration forms below. Forms can be dropped off at the Museum or mailed to Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington Ave., Hastings, NE 68901.
| 2024 Class Prices | Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
| All Classes | $50 | $60 |
| Both Discover Together classes | Kids are the price listed above; adults are FREE, but must register | |
Fees are due at time of enrollment and are refundable up to 7 days prior to the first day of class.
Week of Mess Grades K-1 (Sold out)
June 3-7, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Katie Karr
Whether we are frosting cookies, painting with mud, decorating an animal’s home or exploding volcanoes, one thing is for sure—things are going to get messy this week! Each day we will ‘mess’ around with new topics such as science & cooking, create one-of-a-kind art projects, conduct experiments, and so much more. Note: Due to food being served, please let us know of any food allergies or restrictions.
Let’s Go Camping! Ages 4-5
June 17-21, 10 am-Noon (8/15)
Instructor: Marie Law
This week we’ll set up camp, hike, and craft with nature; we’ll even go fountain-fishing and on a bear hunt. Camp songs and s’mores are a must. We’re sure to have fun with science and art and you might even find stardust when we learn about the night sky.
Junior Scientist Grades K-1
June 10-14, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Russanne Hoff
Become a different scientist each day as we explore the world around us. We will study the universe like an astronomer, investigate the outdoors like an ecologist, mix ingredients like a chemist, examine the weather like a meteorologist, and dig into ancient remains like a paleontologist. Join us as we discover the answers to the question “Why?” through hands-on investigations, observations, experiments, and more!
Junior Rocketeers Grades K-1
June 17-21, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Katie Karr
Grab your space suits and helmets- it’s time to blast off into our solar system! In this camp, junior rocketeers will conduct experiments to see how large rockets are and how they work, discover how astronauts can survive in space, build our own planets to travel to, and see how NASA is preparing the next generation of astronauts to explore the moon!
Summer Senses Grades K-1
June 24-28, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Marie Law
Investigate the science of sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch as we create nature themed crafts and explore the outdoors in fun and interesting ways. Discover local nature through art and
your five senses. This class includes touch painting, taste bud testing, sound wave traveling & much more.
Kaleidoscope of Colors Ages 4-5
July 8-12, 10 am-Noon (8/15)
Instructor: Marie Law|
A kaleidoscope of colors will abound in this art class. We will explore crafts with bright colors, the science of how we see, and will mix up new colors. Note: Though we will do our best to contain our mess, we will be working with materials that may not wash out of clothing well.
Hodgepodge Fun Grades K-1
July 8-12, 10 am-Noon (10/20)
Instructor: Russanne Hoff
We’re going to do a little bit of this and a little bit of that in Hodgepodge Fun! We’ll create masterpieces on Messy Monday, go on adventures around the museum on Travel Tuesday, discover more about chameleons and coral reefs through books, art, and activities during Book Worm Wednesday, investigate birds and kites on Things with Wings Thursday, and end the week with a mailable hug and seed mosaics on Free-for-All Friday.
Under Construction Grades K-1
July 15-19, 10 am-Noon (10/20)
Instructor: Marie Law
Young engineers will spend the week working with different building materials from craft sticks to clothes pins, toothpicks and marshmallows, as well as wood and plastics. We will learn about and work with simple tools as we discover their everyday uses. Note: Though we will do our best to contain our mess, we will be working with materials that may not wash out of clothing.
Animal Adaptations Grades 2-3
June 3-7, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Marie Law
Science and 2D & 3D craftiness will combine as we investigate how birds, mammals, and reptiles adapt to their environments. Examine new animals each day as we investigate ecosystems, learn how animals change to survive in their environments, and discover why humans try to imitate some of these animal adaptations.
Appetite for Adventure Grades 2-3
June 10-14, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Instructors: Katie Karr & Yesi Lara Panjo
From making ice cream to blending the perfect smoothie, our chefs will make it all! Not only will our chefs learn how to read recipes and measure ingredients, but they will also create a recipe book. We will try our hand at decorating cookies and students will take home baking tools to help future cooking adventures! Note: Due to food being served, please let us know of any food allergies or restrictions.
The Science of … Grades 2-3
June 17-21, 1-3 pm (10/20)
Every day is an exciting exploration into a different scientific discipline! Our camp is designed to engage young minds in the wonders of science through hands-on activities, experiments, and adventures. Each day brings fascinating themes such as reptiles and amphibians, flight, and chemistry, allowing campers to discover the diverse and captivating world of science.
Destination Unknown Grades 2-3
June 26, 9 am-4 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Katie Karr
What does writing your name in hieroglyphs with berry ink, building a brick fortress to protect yourself against cannonballs, and designing a 3D coral reef have in common? They are all things you’ll do in this camp! Together we will take virtual tours to get a closer look at places from around the world as we learn about famous landmarks, experience ancient cultures, and identify new animals. Note: While snacks will be provided, campers will need to bring a sack lunch.
Movie Madness Grades 2-3
July 24-26, 9 am-Noon(10/20)
The magic of learning meets the excitement of the big screen! If you have a passion for both learning and cinematic adventures, this three-day camp is for you. Each day will feature a new large format film, fun activities, and a take home project. Join us as we explore the worlds of Turtles, Train Time, and Tornado Alley.
Kool-Aid Kingdom Grades 2-3
July 30, 9 am-4 pm (10/20)
Instructor: Marie Law
Come on an all-day expedition through Edwin Perkins’ Kool-Aid Kingdom. Uncover nearly 100 years of Kool-Aid history as we travel back in time to the early 1900s. We will get creative with Kool-Aid as we make crafts, snacktivities, science experiments, and more. Note: While snacks will be provided, campers will need to bring a sack lunch. Due to food being served in this class, please let us know of any food allergies or restrictions your camper has. We will do our best to contain our mess, but Kool-Aid may not wash out of clothing.
Outdoorcore Kids Grades 4-6
June 10-14, 1-3 pm (10/20)
If you enjoy being outside and learning new skills this camp is for you! This outdoor skills focused class will teach wildlife identification, birding, outdoor cooking, fishing, geocaching, first aid & survival and much more. Note: There may be days where you will need to drop off and pick up at Lake Hastings. The first day will take place at the Museum.
Rocket into Space Grades 4-6
June 25, 9 am-4 pm (10/20)
Embark on an intergalactic adventure! Immerse your young astronaut in a world of cosmic exploration and scientific discovery. Campers will learn about our solar system, the basics of rocket science, and even build their own model rocket to launch. This class will be filled with exciting adventures and hands-on experiments!
Museum My Way Grades 4-6
July 9-11, 8-11 am (10/20)
Instructors: Katie Karr
With three floors of exhibits, it can be a lot to take in! In this camp, we’ll take a step back and explore a floor a day in a sensory friendly way. Students will paint with Kool-Aid, practice Native American hunting games, see how different birds adapt to fit their habitats, and more! Note: This class is designed to accommodate children with autism and/or related conditions. After you sign up for this camp, we will send a more detailed questionnaire for you to fill out to help us provide a positive camp experience. Campers must be independent in the restroom.
Incredible Edible Art Grades 4-6
July 15-19, 10 am-Noon (10/20)
If you have a passion for both art and food, this camp is for you. Join us in the kitchen to unleash your creativity and culinary skills as young chefs craft visually “appeeling” and delicious works of art. Get ready to blend colors, flavors, and textures; every masterpiece is not just admired but also savored. Note: Due to food being served in this class, please let us know of any food allergies or restrictions your camper has.
Habitat Houses 101 Grades 4-6
July 22-26, 9 am-Noon (10/20)
Instructor: Marie Law
Help support local ecosystems as we build homes for bats, birds, bugs, and butterflies this week. Youth will be working with real tools and woodworking materials as they construct various habitat houses. Note: Though we will do our best to contain our mess, we will be working with materials that may not wash out of clothing.
Get Crafty Grades 4-6
July 29-31, 9 am-Noon (10/20)
Instructors: Katie Karr
From creating a 3D forest mural, designing a masterpiece influenced by stained glass, decorating a dragonfly whisk, and trying our hand at card making, students will experience many different types of art. We will even experiment with an art snacktivity or two! Note: Due to food being served in this class, please let us know of any food allergies or restrictions your camper has. Though we will do our best to contain our mess, we will be working with materials that will not wash out of clothing.
Discover Together Junior PreK-K and Adults
July 23-24, 9 am-Noon (10/20)
Instructors: Katie Karr
How do camels find water in the desert? How many flavors of Kool-Aid are there in the world? How many different shapes can be found in nature? Together, with one or two of your favorite adults, we will find out the answers as we paint with Kool-Aid, conduct science experiments focused on animal adaptions, and go on a shape search in our gardens.
Discover Together Grades 1+ and Adults
June 27-28, 9 am-Noon (10/20)
Instructors: Russanne Hoff
Bring along your favorite adult (or two) as you discover together art and butterflies! Children and their adult(s) will make t-shirt art, draw creatively, use their fingertips to paint on wood, and more. On day two, we will watch the film Flight of the Butterflies, do a life cycle activity, play a monarch migration game, and create beautiful butterfly art.
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